Watermelon-Mint Fresca & Coconut-Banana-Acai Smoothie Recipes

By Jessica Cerra

Published Jul 4, 2013

Updated Jul 15, 2013 at 6:44 PM UTC

This week’s recipe of the week is a double dose of healthy, refreshing drinks to try this weekend.

Craving a cold, hydrating drink to sip on after long training session on a hot summer afternoon? Here are two options that are so refreshing you will find yourself gulping, not sipping. Watermelon, known to be full of nutrients that support cardiovascular health, is naturally packed full of water to help you re-hydrate without a ton of calories or sugar. Coconut water and bananas are both loaded with potassium to help you replace this vital electrolyte after a sweat fest. Acai has a high concentration of antioxidants and healthy omegas, and you don’t have to buy it at a juice bar, you can find freezer packs right at your grocery store.

Coconut-Banana-Acai Smoothie

*Acai is sold in most grocery stores in the freezer section next to the frozen berries and normally comes in a package with 4 individual 100 gram packs.

In a blender combine all the ingredients until smooth. For a more substantial smoothie try adding extra frozen berries, other fruit like peaches, or Greek yogurt. Sometimes I also add a cup of keifer (a liquid yogurt like drink with probiotics). Try serving with berries and granola over the top for a great recovery snack.

Jessica Cerra is the owner of Fit Food by Jess, a private chef and catering company in Encinitas, Calif. She is also a professional Xterra triathlete and mountain biker. Follow Jess’ recipes on her “Fit Food by Jess” Facebook page.